Indian Journalists Accuse Taliban’s Muttaqi of Lying About Afghan Women’s Rights

Kokcha News Agency – Smriti Sharma, an independent Indian journalist focusing on foreign policy, attended a press conference held by Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, during his six-day official visit to India. Sharma later took to her X (formerly Twitter) account to express her disbelief at Muttaqi’s claims about gender equality and women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Sharma stated that Muttaqi was finally forced to face tough questions from female journalists, but his answers were far from reality. She described his statements about Afghan women’s access to education and social freedoms as misleading.

Suhasini Haidar, Editor of The Hindu, also weighed in, saying she had never seen a Taliban official being repeatedly questioned about women’s rights in such a manner. Haidar noted that Muttaqi failed to provide clear answers and that his claims about one-fourth of Afghan women having access to education and social freedoms were far from the truth.

Haidar emphasized that the Taliban must respect India’s laws and gender equality while on Indian soil. She also pointed out that the Taliban’s policies towards Afghan women have been closely monitored as part of her professional responsibilities.

Another independent Indian journalist, Nayanima Basu, stated that while the Indian government does not recognize the Taliban, engaging diplomatically with the group sends a message to Afghan women and the world. Basu described Muttaqi’s responses on women’s education as “shocking” and accused the Taliban of making claims as if the world is unaware of the situation in Afghanistan.

Muttaqi’s visit to India has been marred by controversy, particularly after Taliban officials initially barred female journalists from attending his press conference at the Afghan Embassy. This move sparked widespread criticism from Indian politicians, civil society, and media outlets. In response to the backlash, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs urged the Taliban delegation to hold another press conference with equal participation from male and female journalists.

Following the criticism, Muttaqi held a second press conference on Sunday, where he faced a barrage of questions about women’s rights and education in Afghanistan.